My boyfriend and I stopped in at Lou's on a whim last night, which is just a few blocks away from our place. It was crowded but not packed, with a very diverse mix of people who were all friendly.
It was very loud and very smoky, but the service was quick and friendly, drinks were good and prices were reasonable. Even though my boyfriend is a smoker (and I sometimes have one on a night out), it was too smoke filled for us to stay for more than one. In my smoking days I likely wouldn't have minded, so it's really your personal preference. We didn't make it out to the patio but it may have been quieter/less smokey.
Overall, we'll give it another shot on a weeknight when it may be a little less crowded, because it is a nice little spot.